Teppotsavam 2026 at Madurai Meenakshi Temple – Float Festival or Boat Festival

Teppotsavam or float festival is annually held in Thai month in the world famous Madurai Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu. The boat festival is observed for 12 days. The festival is annually held in during the last fortnight of January or the first fortnight of February. The teppotsavam is held on the Poosam nakshatra day in Tamil Thai Masam. Madurai Meenakshi Temple Teppotsavam 2026 date is February 1. The festival begins on January 21, 2026.

During the festival the utsava murtis of Shiva and Madurai Meenakshi are taken out in procession along the Chitra streets.

On the 8th day of the boat festival the the casting of net festival would. (Valai Veesi Thiruvilayadal - Machahandi Vivaham in Thirukalyana Mandapam)

The theertham festival and the pushing of the boat are observed on the 10th day.

Harvesting of sheaves is held on the 11th day.

The main ritual of float festival is held on the 12th day.

In the festival, the processional deities are taken in a boat (Teppam), in the temple tank, together with chanting of hymns and the playing of nadaswaram and other musical instruments.